Wide Receivers & Tight Ends: Who Stepped Up, Who Didn’t for Nebraska

Tight End Heinrich Haarberg

Though not a frequent target in the passing game, tight end Heinrich Haarberg made his presence felt with a clutch 3-yard touchdown reception in the red zone, capitalizing on a key scoring opportunity. Beyond the stat sheet, his blocking played a vital role in anchoring Nebraska’s run game, providing stability and physicality at the point of attack.

Haarberg closed out the game with three catches for 18 yards and a touchdown, averaging six yards per grab.

Tight End Luke Lindenmeyer

Tight end Luke Lindenmeyer contributed in key moments and helped move the chains. His blocking was solid throughout the game, supporting Nebraska’s run game and pass protection amid Michigan’s relentless pressure. Overall, he played a steady, complementary role in the Huskers’ offensive effort.

Lindenmeyer wrapped up the game with seven catches for 60 yards, averaging a steady 8.6 yards per reception.

Who Fell Short?

Wide receivers Dane Key and Nyziah Hunter had a low-key outing, combining for just five receptions and 70 yards. Key often struggled to create separation against Michigan’s secondary, limiting his impact in key situations.

Hunter, meanwhile, committed a costly penalty for illegal touching after stepping out of bounds on a completed pass at the end of the third quarter, stalling a promising drive as the Huskers settled for a field goal. With their production muted, the burden fell heavily on Barney Jr. to spark Nebraska’s passing game.

Nebraska’s receiving corps showed flashes of promise but also exposed areas that need refinement. Barney Jr. proved he can be a game-changer, while tight ends like Haarberg and Lindenmeyer offered steady support in key moments. Yet the quiet outings from Key and Hunter highlight the inconsistency that still plagues this unit.

If the Huskers want to unlock their full offensive potential, they’ll need more than isolated sparks. They’ll need cohesion, reliability, and a broader cast of contributors stepping up when it counts.